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🇨🇳 China (PRC) → Thai Driver Licence
PRC Driver's Licence (机动车驾驶证) — Class C1/C2/A/B · Convention: Non-signatory — consular route required
Quick Answer
Translation route: China is NOT a party to Geneva 1949 or Vienna 1968 — Chinese IDPs are not recognized in Thailand. Use the Chinese licence + consular certification at the Chinese Embassy Bangkok (领事认证, ¥180) + MFA legalization. Typical turnaround: แจ้งกรอบเวลาหลังตรวจเอกสาร (ขึ้นกับคิวของหน่วยงาน) (depends on embassy and DLT queues; not guaranteed). Motorcycle is issued as a SEPARATE licence (รยจ.). No road test required (physical/vision/reaction tests still apply).
DLT reciprocity notes
The 2020 China–Thailand MOU permits mutual licence recognition, but in practice consular certification is still required before DLT will convert.
Pitfalls
- Class A1 (bus) and A2 (trailer) do NOT convert to Thai บ.2/ท.2 — full re-testing required.
- All simplified Chinese fields must be fully translated into Thai; abbreviations are refused by DLT.
- Temporary licences (临时驾驶证) cannot be converted.
Documents to prepare
- ✓ Passport + current visa (Non-Imm)
- ✓ Original foreign licence + 2 copies
- ✓ Certified translation (per country route)
- ✓ Immigration/Embassy residence certificate
- ✓ Medical certificate (≤ 30 days old)
- ✓ 2× 1-inch photos
- ✓ IDP if held (for reference)
- ✓ Thai address proof (lease/tabien)
FAQ
- Why does a Chinese licence require embassy certification?
- China is not a party to the Geneva/Vienna conventions. Under Thai Motor Vehicle Act B.E. 2522 §57, DLT recognises foreign licences only when certified by the issuing state's embassy.
- What does the 2020 MOU actually allow?
- Mutual driving rights on the road, but you still need to convert the licence and go through consular certification for a full Thai licence.
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Official sources — driving licence
The information on this page follows the official sources below. Always check the latest version before you file.
- Department of Land Transport — driving licences— Department of Land Transport
- Department of Provincial Administration — civil & family registration— Department of Provincial Administration
- Department of Consular Affairs — document legalisation— Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Immigration Bureau — visas, 90-day reporting, TM.30— Immigration Bureau
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Frequently asked questions
- How does 90-day reporting work and what happens if I miss it?
- Foreigners staying in Thailand on a long-stay permission must report their address to Immigration every 90 days, in person, by post, through an agent or online, within the window from 15 days before to 7 days after the due date. Late reporting carries a fine of 2,000 baht, rising to 4,000 baht if you are caught during an arrest, and the counter can only accept the report within the permitted window.
- What is TM30 and who must file it?
- TM30 is the notification of a foreigner's place of stay, and the legal duty falls on the house owner, condominium owner, hotel or landlord to notify Immigration within 24 hours of the foreigner's arrival at the address. Foreigners are affected in practice because Immigration frequently requires a current TM30 receipt before processing extensions, 90-day reports and re-entry permits.
- Can I convert my foreign driving licence to a Thai one?
- Yes — the Department of Land Transport allows conversion of a valid foreign licence with a certificate of residence from Immigration or an embassy letter, a medical certificate, passport and visa copies, and passing the colour, reaction and depth-perception tests. Holders of a licence from a country with a reciprocal arrangement may be exempt from the written and practical tests.
- Can a foreigner own a condominium in Thailand?
- Yes, under the Condominium Act foreigners may own units in freehold up to 49% of the total saleable floor area of the building, and the purchase funds must be remitted into Thailand in foreign currency with a Foreign Exchange Transaction certificate issued by the receiving bank for transfers of USD 50,000 or more. Land ownership remains closed to foreigners other than under BOI or specific statutory exceptions.